Conclusion
I have briefly surveyed the effects of pluralism in its various forms and its associated challenges for the church. I have also tried to point to some ways in which the church can rise to these challenges. Over the coming academic session, together with the students, I hope to fill in more detail on the rather broad canvas I have painted. Pluralism is here to stay. It will become ever more intrusive and insistent in its agenda. Unless we respond with deep Christian conviction, courage and compassion, we will be sidelined as an irrelevant and outdated minority.
I was fascinated to see on TV recently a London Bishop commenting on the plans for the Millenium Dome to have a religious section. Originally this was to reflect the plurality of religions in Britain. But the Bishop said that while meeting with representatives of other faiths, they expressed surprise that Christians were so reticent about celebrating the Millenium. They had said to him; "It's your festival to mark 2,000 years of your religion. Go for it!" They expect us to be up-front in the observance of our religion as they are of theirs.
A wishy-washy pluralistic Christianity will gain no respect. But a committed, consistent, caring Church will not only win a hearing for the gospel, but will also be its best apologetic in commending Christ to a lost world.